CRNA

Description
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in an advanced practice registered nurse
(APRN) who practices both autonomously and in collaboration with a variety of health providers
on the interprofessional team to deliver high-quality, holistic, evidence-based anesthesia and
pain care services. The CRNA cares for patients at all acuity levels across the lifespan in a
variety of settings for procedures including, but not limited to, surgical, obstetrical, diagnostic,
therapeutic, and pain management.
Qualifications
• Holds current active state licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Ohio and
complies with any applicable state statutory and regulatory requirements concerning
CRNAs.
• Graduate of a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on
Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or its predecessor.
• Is currently certified or recertified by the National Board of Certification and
Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.
• Insurable by an appropriate medical malpractice insurer for the limits required by this
institution or state.
• Demonstrates current competency in the clinical responsibilities specified below.
Clinical
Clinical responsibilities of the CRNA are delineated by his or her clinical privileges and may
include:
• Perform and document the preanesthesia assessment and evaluation of the patient.
• Review, request, and order (as permitted by state law), laboratory/diagnostic studies.
• Obtain informed consent for anesthesia and related services.
• Select, obtain, order, and administer preanesthetic medication or treatment.
• Develop and implement an anesthesia care plan.
• Select, obtain, prepare, and use equipment, invasive and non-invasive monitors,
supplies, and drugs for the administration of sedation, anesthesia, and pain
management services; perform safety checks as needed.
• Select, order, obtain, and administer analgesic and anesthetic agents, adjuvant drugs,
accessory drugs, fluids, or blood products necessary to provide anesthesia services.
-Perform all aspects of airway management, including fiberoptic intubation.
• Facilitate emergence and recovery from anesthesia by evaluating patient response, and
selecting, ordering, and administering medications, fluids, and ventilator support to
maintain patient stability during transfer.
• Initiate and administer post-anesthesia pharmacological or fluid support of the
cardiovascular system.
• Initiate and administer respiratory support to ensure adequate ventilation and
oxygenation in the postanesthesia period.
• Evaluate the patient's response to anesthesia and surgery; take appropriate corrective
action during the postanesthesia period.
• Provide postanesthesia follow-up evaluation and care.
• Discharge the patient from the postanesthesia care unit.
• Implement acute and chronic pain management modalities.
• Manage emergency situations by assessing, stabilizing, and determining disposition of
patients, including providing airway management, administration of emergency drugs
and fluids, and using basic and advanced cardiac life support techniques.
• Insert and manage peripheral, arterial, pulmonary catheter, or central venous
lines and catheters.
o Provide patient and caregiver education.
o Perform arterial puncture to obtain arterial blood samples.
o Consult with respiratory care providers and implement respiratory and
ventilator care.
Nonclinical
Additional nonclinical responsibilities of the CRNA may include, but are not limited to:
• Quality assessment and quality assurance.
• Didactic and clinical education of students and staff.
• Appointment to facility committees and related activities.
• Interdepartmental liaison responsibilities.
• Clinical or administrative oversight of other departments (e.g., respiratory therapy,
PACU).
Patient Safety
Supports patient safety when performing his or her job functions and through participation in
facility, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
• T akes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same
to those in charge.
Professional Development
• Participates in required educational programs.
• Participates in monthly departmental meetings.
• Seeks ongoing professional educational growth.
• Maintains current licensure requirements for CRNA practice.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Ability to perform clinically as a nurse anesthetist in the facility setting on a regular basis.
• Ability to operate, use, and interpret data from a wide variety of equipment to perform
anesthesia care as well as necessary perioperative or operating room care to support
the safety and wellbeing of the patient while they are under the direct care of the CRNA.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are required to effectively collaborate
with various clinical staff and other disciplines.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the
patient population(s) served.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the
life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his
or her population-specific and age specific needs.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidential records.
• Ability to implement and adhere to facility policies and procedures.